Robert A. Rice

Robert Allen Rice passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2023 with his wife and children by his side. Bob was a special man. He loved his family, his friends, and the town of Beaver where he worked and lived for the past 36 years. Originally from Schenectady, New York, Bob began his career in Buckhannon, WV. In 1986 an economic development job interview brought him to Beaver, PA. With over 100 applicants, the position came down to two candidates. He got the job, and the other candidate became his wife. Bob retired from the Beaver County Corporation For Economic Development in February of 2020 but remained on many boards, including the Planning Commission, Historical and Architectural Review Board, the Heritage Foundation, and his much loved Beaver Station. Playing a part in the station’s restoration and transformation was a source of great joy and pride for him. Bob was a wine maker, a civil war buff, a political aficionado, and an artist. He loved music, especially the blues. He was our Stat Man, “Vacation Bob”, UB (Uncle Bob) as his nieces and nephews called him, and GB (Grandpa Bob) to the granddaughters he adored. He built a beautiful life for the family he leaves behind: his loving wife of over 35 years, Laurie Martin, his son, Wesley Allen Rice, and his wife, Maria Quirino Da Silva; his daughter Carley McKenna Rice and her partner, Timothy Vernon, granddaughters Dayane Maira Rodrigues, Amelia Elizabeth Rice, Violette Vernon-Rice; and a great-granddaughter, Leticia Maria Rodrigues. Bob survived his immediate family but his in-laws helped to make up for his loss. He was their brother and counselor and he will be sorely missed by Beth and John Thiel, Dominique and Anthony Mendicino, Lisa and Curt Latshaw, Judy Martin, and his special nieces, nephews, and cousins. When family and friends were gathered together it was Bob, most often, with the proverbial lampshade on his head. Those who knew Bob will agree, the hole he leaves behind is enormous. The family would like to thank the doctors and CCU nurses at Heritage Valley Hospital for their outstanding efforts and compassionate care. Bob’s wish was to be taken to his beloved Beaver Station where his family will receive visitors on Friday, January 20th, from 1 – 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Bob’s name to the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation, 1 River Road, Beaver, PA 15009. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc. 333 Third Street Beaver, PA. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.